27. Receiving God's love

When God loves us, there are no strings attached. He does not ask for anything in return.

But when we truly experience and accept His love, why do we desire to change and love like Him?

Receiving God's love is like lighting a candle in a dark, dirty room. Through no fault of its own, the light from the candle reveals how dirty the room is.

When we receive God's love, we start to see our errors and ways for what they are. And we desire to change how we live.

His love also overflows that we want others, especially those we care about, to receive the same.

And yet, these are the same reasons why we are afraid of receiving His love. We are afraid of changing our ways or sharing His love with others. Sometimes, we are also afraid of betraying His love. (I know, I am.)

God's love is freely given. The question is, do we really want to accept His love? What's holding us back from receiving His love?

26. Two things in the past we need to let go of

It’s difficult to be present and move forward without letting go of the past. And there are two things in the past we need to let go of: failures and successes.

Past mistakes, rejections, shortcomings, wrong decisions, and sins can paralyze us with fear, hopelessness, regret, and insecurities.

Our past failures can lead us into hopelessness, into thinking that this is as good as it gets. We become afraid to try again because we expect we’ll fail again.

Our past achievements, recognitions, and even physical appearances can lead us into chasing past glories and admiration.

When struggling in the present, our past successes can lead us into thinking that we’re no longer good enough or past our prime. Sometimes, our early successes become our identity that is taken away.

We also become afraid to fail or look foolish because there’s an image of success that we’re protecting.

To let go of past failures, we need to learn to forgive ourselves.

To let go of past successes, we need to learn to be humble.

And in either case, we need to learn to accept ourselves.

Are you struggling with letting go of the past? (I am! I am Mr. Living-in-the-Past!)

25. What are you relying on?

Sometimes, we tend to overrely on ourselves, our abilities, actions, jobs, achievements, connections, or even wealth.

When what we rely on fails, we get lost, confused, overwhelmed, or even depressed.

It is prudent to work hard and take action. Nothing moves until we do.

But we must also learn to rely on God, especially on things we can’t control like results and the fruits of our labor. Trusting in God means relying on Him Who is steady and constant.

When we’re overwhelmed, it’s good to pause and think about the things we rely on.

What are you relying on?

24. Relationships are not about feeling good

Strengthening a relationship entails knowing each other better, spending time, respecting one another, and being honest.

It’s not convenient. A healthy relationship involves sacrifice, vulnerability, and commitment.

Being in a relationship is not just about feeling good in the company of another.

In the same way, having a relationship with God is not about feeling good. It entails knowing Him more, spending time with Him, being faithful, and imitating His ways.

Being in a relationship with God means being discipled by Him. Discipleship is a relationship.

It’s not easy or convenient. But knowing more about how He loves us and imitating Him will transform us.

Are you being transformed by your relationships?

23. Focus on transformation

This year, I’ve already read a lot of books. But I realized that it’s not enough to learn.

Learning is important, but applying the lessons we learn is what allows us to transform our lives.

Applying the lessons we learn also allows us to remember our learnings better.

It also reminds me of a verse about acting on God’s Word and wisdom (Matthew 7:24):

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.

Are you taking action on the things you’re learning?